effect of ascorbic acid as a feed additive on indicators of the reproductive performance of Pulawska breed gilts

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin C on indicators of gilts and sows reproductive value. The study was conducted using 64 gilts of the Pulawska breed. The experimental gilts received a supplement of vitamin C in an amount of 2.4 g daily throughout the whole experiment. Sixteen gilts from both control and experimental groups were mated in their third estrus. In order to determine the number of corpora lutea and the state of development of the reproductive organs, other gilts from the control and experimental groups were slaughtered after third estrus between the 5th and 10th day of the following estrous cycle. The results showed that gilts from the experimental group were characterized by higher potential fertility, as well as reared more piglets per litter. In the body weight and backfat thickness of sows during the first reproduction cycle in the control and experimental groups were not statistically significantly different. The piglets in the experimental group had higher body weight in the 1st and 21st day of rearing. Larger contents of protein, immunoglobulins, and vitamin C were recorded in the colostrum and milk from experimental sows.